Number: +264 (064) 410 5200

Area: Center, Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia

Number: +264 (064) 410 5200

Area: Center, Swakopmund, Erongo Region, Namibia

Namibia

Namibia never fails to enthral its visitors, to charge the fantasies and imaginations of narrators in their efforts to aptly describe the many-facetted grandeur and harsh splendour of this desert country.

So many words have been written and told, and still poets do not tire to invent attributes to do justice to its unique, ever-varying magnificence.
Namibia is known for its contrasting landscapes. The desolate Namib Desert is said to be the oldest in the world, with its high dunes and awe-inspiring sense of space

According to the latest population census (2001) Namibia has 1 826 million people. The population density is one of the lowest in the world at less than 2 people per km?

The People of Namibia

According to the latest population census (2001) Namibia has 1 826 million people. The population density is one of the lowest in the world at less than 2 people per km?.

The Owambo is the largest population group, and live in the central North of Namibia in the four O-regions: Omusati, Oshana, Ohangwena and Oshikoto. The Kwanyama group is the largest, followed by Ndonga, Kwambi, Ngandyela, Kwaluudhi and Mbalanhu. They practice a mixed economy of agriculture and animal husbandry, dressmaking, woodcarving, pottery and basketry.

Forming the border between Namibia and Angola for more than 400km is the Okavango River, lifeline of the Kavango people. They consist of five tribes, Kwangali, Mbunza, Shambyu, Gciriku and Mbukushu and make their living from fishing, tending cattle and cultivating sorghum, millet and maize.

The Caprivians live in the north-eastern extension of Namibia which borders on Angola, Zambia and Botswana. Their tribes are the Masubia, Mafwe, Myeyi, Matotela and Mbukushu. In addition to fishing and hunting, they keep cattle and cultivate the land.

The Herero are a pastoral cattle-breeding people who live mainly in the Omaheke region. They could be divided into the Herero proper, Ndamu-randa, Tjimba Herero, and the Mbanderu. The women are easily identified by their colourful Victorian-style dresses.

An ancient tribe of semi-nomadic pastoralists, the Himba live in scattered settlements throughout the Kunene region. The women are noted for their unusual sculptural beauty, enhanced by intricate hairstyles and traditional adornments.

The Damara, one of the oldest cultural groups in the country, live in the Erongo region. They cultivate corn and vegetables, while livestock production has also become an important source of income.

The only true descendants of the Khoikoi in Namibia are the Nama, who live in the Karas and Hardap regions. They have a natural talent for music, poetry and prose.

The Topnaars are a hardy group of Nama people who live on the banks of the Kuiseb River, tending their sheep and goats in this harsh environment. Poems and praise of the narra melon form part of the Topnaar culture.

In 1868 the Basters moved to Namibia from the Cape, where they finally settled at the hot-water springs called Rehoboth. While they are traditionally stock and crop farmers, many of them are involved in other sectors, especially the building trade.

Namibia's Coloureds have their origins in the Cape, and live mainly in Windhoek, Keetmanshoop, L?deritz, Kalkveld and Karasburg.

The Tswanas are the smallest cultural group, living in the Gobabis district. They consist of the Tlharo, Tlhaping and Bangologa tribes and are involved in farming.

The Bushmen or San people, hunter-gatherers occupy the remote areas in eastern Namibia and Kalahari. They are great storytellers, and express themselves eloquently in music, mimicry and dance.

Roughly 100 000 White Namibians of European descent currently live in Namibia. The majorities live in the urban, central and southern parts of the country and are involved in commerce, manufacturing, farming, professional services and the civil service.

Weather in Namibia
Summer (October-April) Average interior temperatures range from 20C-34C during the day. Temperatures above 40C are often recorded in the extreme north and south of the country.

The coast influenced by the cold Benguela current, boasts a relatively stable range of 15C-25C. Heavy fog is fairly common at night. Humidity is generally very low in most parts of Namibia, but can reach as high as 80% in the extreme north during summer.

The rainy season is from October - April. The average annual rainfall varies from less than 50mm along the coast to 350mm in the central interior and 700mm in the Caprivi. The sporadic rains do not affect road travel significantly, however, tourists should exercise caution when crossing or camping in riverbeds during the rainy season, as flash foods are a common occurrence. Winter (May-September) Temperatures in the interior range from 18C-25C during the day. Below freezing temperatures and ground frost are common at night

Namibia's Politics & History

Bismarck proclaimed Namibia a German protectorate in 1884. The conquest of German South West Africa by South African forces during World War 1 resulted in its subsequent administration by South Africa under a 1920 League of Nations mandate. A war between the occupying South African forces and the SWAPO (South-west Africa People's Organisation) liberation movement started in 1966.
In 1989 the implementation of United Nations Resolution 435 for free and fair elections resulted in SWAPO coming to power. On March 21, 1990. Dr. Sam Nujoma, was instated as the country's first president.
Namibia is ruled by a Multiparty Parliament and has a democratic Constitution that is highly regarded by the international community. The Government's policy of national reconciliation and unity embraces the concepts of tolerance, respect for differing political views, and racial and ethnic harmony.

Executive branch:
Chief of state: President Hifikepunye Pohamba; note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government.
Head of government: President Hifikepunye Pohamba
Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president from the members of the National Assembly Legislative branch.

Legislative branch:
Bicameral legislature consists of the National Council (26 seats; two members are chosen from each regional council to serve six-year terms) and the National Assembly (72 seats; members are elected by popular vote to serve five-year terms)

Judicial branch:
Supreme Court (judges appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission)

Currency & Credit Cards:
The Namibia Dollar and South African Rand are the only legal tender in Namibia and can be used freely to purchase goods and services. Traveller's cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged during normal banking hours (Mon-Fri 09:00-15:30 & Sat 09:00-11:00) at any of the commercial banks, and at Bureau de Change offices.
Visa and MasterCard credit cards are generally accepted. Visitors may bring any amount of foreign currency into the country.
Note: No Credit cards are accepted at petrol filling stations

What to pack:
As temperatures can be very high during the summer months, clothing made from cotton is preferable. During winter, light clothing, combined with a sweater and/or jacket is recommended, as it becomes cold in the evenings and early mornings. Important items to pack: comfortable walking shoes, swimsuits, binoculars, sun hats and sunglasses, sun block, mosquito repellent and battery-operated or conventional razors for visiting remote areas.

Airlines & Airports
Air Namibia, the country's national airline, offers non-stop flights between Windhoek and Frankfurt. Regional flights connect Johannesburg, Cape Town, Luanda, Victoria Falls and Maun. Domestic flights connect most major towns in Namibia. Other airlines that provide flights to Namibia are LTU, SAA and British Airways.

International & Domestic Airports:
Hosea Kutako International Airport - 45km east of Windhoek
Eros Airport - Windhoek
Katima Mulilo - 20km west of Katima Mulilo
Rundu- 3km west of Rundu
Ondangwa
Walvis Bay - 20km east of Walvis Bay
L?deritz - 10 km east of L?deritz
Keetmanshoop - 3km north of Keetmanshoop
Whilst there are over 300 known airfields. Travellers are cautioned not to land at unlicensed fields.

Community - based tourism

Nacobta is a non-profit NGO that assists communities to develop tourism enterprises in previously neglected rural (communal) areas of Namibia. Several projects have been successfully established and Nacobta has put an online booking facility in place.

Cultural tours in major cities are growing in popularity, the most known being Katutura Face-to-face Tours. Guided tours to Katutura introduce the visitors to the vast diversity of cultures living together in peace, and provide them with a glimpse of the lifestyle in the various settlements, homesteads, markets, different projects (recycling, women's projects), local cuca shops and shebeens, schools and kindergartens.

Hunting:
Hunting activities include trophy & safari hunting, bird hunting, as well as the ancient art of bow hunting. The hunting season for huntable game is restricted to 01 February to 30 November. Written permission must first be obtained from the farmer, before a hunting permit will be granted. The term ?huntable game? strictly excludes protected animals. Further information can be obtained from the Namibia Professional Hunters Association (NAPHA).
Tel: +264 61 234455.

Accommodation

The Namibian Tourism Accommodation Industry is rich in diversity, ranging from one- to four-star hotels, pensions, guest-farms, lodges, restaurants, rest camps, Bed & Breakfasts and Self-catering establishments. The wide variety of establishments across Namibia enable tourists to make their choices based not only on the prices or rates charged, but also on the level of infrastructure, services and added activities offered by the establishments. It is fair to say, that the Namibian Tourism Accommodation Industry has something to offer for every taste and pocket.

As representative of the commercial tourism accommodation sector, the Hospitality Association of Namibia has set as one of its most important principles and goals the establishment and maintenance of internationally acceptable standards of quality at the various hospitality establishments. Quality, service and value for money are the issues that tourists take into consideration, when choosing their holiday destination. Competition is growing and H.A.N continuously strives to inform its members of the importance of maintaining a high standard, both in terms of the infra-structure as well as the customer service provided at the establishments.

Only satisfied tourists will consider visiting this country a second and third time and a tourist can be satisfied, if he is made to feel, that his stay in Namibia was worth every cent that he paid, irrespective of whether this tourist was a backpacker or an executive traveler. H.A.N?s hope for the future is that all hospitality establishments realise the importance of striving for excellence.

Visit the HAN Website to see the variety of establishments and services offered. The site also reflects those establishments who have in the past gained the Award of Excellence, for quality of service offered to the international and national travellers.

Adventure

Air:
? Ballooning & Sky Adventures
Adding an exhilarating dimension to a visit to the Namib Desert is a trip in a hot-air balloon.

? Skydiving
For those individuals who enjoy nature best by taking their lives into their hands and having adrenaline pumping through their veins, skydiving over land and sea is the answer.

Birding:
Namibia is home to over 630 bird species. While the majority of these occur in the water-rich north-eastern regions of Kavango and Caprivi, a considerable number are found in the desert proper, such as Dune lark and Hartlaub's francolin. Birding at the coast, especially at Walvis Bay Lagoon, is a particularly rewarding experience.

Water:
White-river rafting, has taken off in a big way on the Kunene River. An irresistible attraction of the Kunene is the Epupa Falls with its scenic surroundings and interesting vegetation and bird life.

Canoeing safaris are offered down the Orange River, departing from Noordoewer or Aussenkehr and ending at Aussenkehr or the Fish River mouth respectively.

Dune Adventures:
Namibia is one of the best places in the world to enjoy sand skiing, the best venues for sand skiing is the 30 km coastal dune belt between Walvis Bay and Swakopmund.

Abseiling:
It is one of the most spectacular rock sports. Once you have overcome the fear of stepping backwards into the void, however, it is surprisingly easy.

Golfing:
? Windhoek
The Windhoek Country Club in Windhoek, on the outskirts of Windhoek, offers an 18-hole golf course.

? Swakopmund
Rossmund is a grass golf course at the edge of the Namib Desert some ten miles from the coastal town of Swakopmund where golfers are invariably greeted by a herd of springbok quietly grazing on a fairway, or by a gaggle of Egyptian geese.

? Henties Bay
Besides being visited by anglers from all over Southern Africa, Henties Bay is also frequented for its unusual nine-hole golf course with its well-tended greens and fairways of virgin desert.

Stargazing:
Namibia's climate, altitude, minor light and air pollution offers stargazers sights of the southern as well as the northern hemisphere, missing only a few degrees around the celestial north pole. The Hess Telescope is situated 100 km west of Windhoek, an area well known for its excellent optical quality.

Fishing in Namibia:
? Coastal Angling
Aspects that make angling from the beach especially enjoyable are the peaceful desert environments and the uncrowded beaches despite thousands of anglers flock to the coast during the holiday seasons.

? Freshwater angling
Namibia's dams in the interior offer several options for those wishing to try their hand at freshwater angling.

? Fly-fishermans paradise
The far eastern tip of Caprivi, at the confluence of the Chobe and Zambezi rivers, is regarded as a fly-fisherman's paradise second to none.

? In and around Windhoek
There are several stables in the capital that offer bush rides into the surrounding mountains.

Spelology Scuba Diving:
? Dragon's Breath
The largest known subterranean lake in the world is in the cave referred to as Dragon's Breath on the farm Harasib. Requires valid cave-diving qualifications.
? Lake Otjikoto
Situated 24km Northwest of the town of Tsumeb and is 76m deep. Qualified divers can explore an underwater museum of armament and weaponry from the First World War.

? Harasib Cave and Lake
Close to the Dragon's Breath, is the Harasib Cave and Lake, entered via an opening on top of the Ghaub Mountain. A special feature of this lake is the spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.

? Scuba diving
Namibia's coast presents a daunting challenge, as sea temperatures vary from 9-C to 17-C and visibility is often as little as half a meter, at best no more than three meters.

4 x 4 Trails:
? The Dorsland Trek 4x4 Route
Stretching from the Marico Region of the western Transvaal and ending in Humpata in Angola, is an adventurous 2 000-km, selfguided, 4x4 route following the tracks of the epic 1878 Dorsland Trek from South Africa through Namibia to Angola.

? Kalahari-Namib Eco 4x4 route
The Kalahari-Namib Eco 4x4 Route is an action-packed adventure with the landscape, ranging from the ancient red dunes of the Kalahari to the oldest desert in the world, the Namib.

? Uri Desert Run
Follow a desert-to-desert circular route, which starts and ends in Keetmanshoop, exploring terrain from the Kalahari across Namibia's south to the Namib Desert.

The Isabis 4x4 Trail, part of the Gamsberg Trails, runs through the 40 000 ha catchment area of the Gaub River, a tributary of the Kuiseb, where plenty of game is seen throughout the year.

? Saddle Hill
A 430km guided Trail, with a spectacular terrain varying from gravel plains to dunes. Highlights of the second day include a visit to the wreck of the Otavi and the remains of the Arcona, a vessel that ran aground with a clandestine cargo of ammunition.

Topnaar 4 x 4 Trail
This is a guided tour between Windhoek and Walvis Bay. Highlight of the Conception Bay route (725km) is the wreck of the Eduard Bohlen, while the shorter Sandwich Harbour route (542km) offers a bird's eye view from the dunes over the lagoon.

Hiking
Owing to high summer temperatures, tough terrain and scarcity of water, hiking in Namibia requires careful planning. Hiking is not advisable in the summer months when temperatures often exceed 40 C.
Fishriver Canyon
By far the most popular hike in Namibia and one of Southern Africa's top five. The route takes hikers through an ancient landscape of rock and utter silence.
? The Namib-Naukluft Hiking Trail
Traverses the rugged Naukluft Mountains. Hikers have several options ranging from a tough 120 km long circular route over eight days to a less strenuous 60 km circular four-day trail, demanding a high degree of fitness.

? Ugab River Hiking Trail
In the south of the Skeleton Coast Park, hikers follow the course of the Ugab River on this 50 km long three day route, and explore the fascinating granite rocks on the windswept plains adjoining the river.

The Feral Horse Hiking Trail
A 28 km route on a farm bordering the Sperrgebiet provides hikers with viewpoints along the trail overlooking the seemingly endless Namib plains, home to the famed wild horses of the Namib.

Dassie Trails
The Dassie trails network meanders through granite outcrops, secluded little valleys and the undulating plateau. Along the 50km selfguided trail hikers are rewarded with far reaching views over the Namib plains and the Gamsberg.

Sweet Thorn Hiking Trail
Situated in the Daan Viljoen Park, 24km west of Windhoek. It is a 34km self guided trail traversing the undulating hills of the Khomas Hochland.

Tok Tokkie Trails
This is a 17km guided trail, alternating between the gravel plains, sand dunes and inselbergs of the Namibrand Nature Reserve.

Waterberg Hiking Trail
This is a self-guided 50km trail with the possibility of a face-to-face encounter with a black rhino or a buffalo.

Waterberg Wilderness Trail
On this trail, hikers will gain a valuable insight into the complex and fragile nature of the environment, with the added attraction of stalking game on foot.

Hardap Trail
Visitors to the Hardap Resort can explore the game park on foot by following the Hardap Trail, with a 15 km and 9 km option.

Mountaineering & Rockclimbing
Spitzkoppe
This vast granite dome rises about 1 000 m above the desert plains between Windhoek and Swakopmund. Also referred to as Namibia's Matterhorn, the Spitzkoppe with its almost perpendicular slopes is one of the great mountaineering opportunities in Africa.

Brandberg
Brandberg is a sought-after area for both mountaineers and backpackers. Due to the extremely rugged terrain and limited water, excursions should only be undertaken by experienced and fit backpackers.

The Country - Topography

Namibia is known for its contrasting landscapes. The desolate Namib Desert is said to be the oldest in the world, with its high dunes and awe-inspiring sense of space. The central plateau, with its thorn bush savannah and rugged mountains, rising abruptly from the plains, gives way to the majestic Fishriver Canyon in the south. In the north of the country, landscapes range from dense bush and open plains of the great Etosha Pan, to woodland savannah and lush vegetation. Dinosaur footprints preserved in sandstone, prehistoric rock art, the ancient fossil plant, Welwitschia mirabilis, all bare witness to the timelessness of this country.

Central Plateau
Runs from North to South with an average altitude between 1000-2000 m. This area has breathtaking landscapes, rugged mountain, rocky outcrops, sand filled valleys and endless plains.

Kalahari Desert
Long vegetated dunes of red sand extend through this area. It spans dense bush covered plains north east of the Etosha Pan including the high rainfall areas of Kavango and Caprivi, tropical forest, perennial rivers and woodland savannah. Namibia is the first country in the world to include protection of the environment and sustainable utilisation of wildlife in its constitution.

National Reserves and Game Parks
Namibia's national reserves and game parks are owned by Government and managed on its behalf by the Ministry of Environment and Tourism. Since independence there has been a rapid escalation in the number and size of private conservation areas.

? The Mahango Game Reserve borders on the perennial Okavango River, and extends over 244km?.

The 32km-wide Caprivi Game Park of 5 715km? extends for about 180 km from the Okavango River to the Kwando River.

? The Mudumu National Park is a vast 1 010km? expanse of dense savannah and mopane woodlands, with the Kwando River as its western border.

? The 320km? Mamili National Park, the largest wetland area with conservation status in Namibia.

The Khaudum Game Reserve protects the northern Kalahari sandveld biome.

? The Mangetti Game Reserve in the Kavango Region is managed as a game-breeding area.
?
The Etosha National Park, at 22 270km?, is one of the largest game reserves in Africa.
?
The Skeleton Coast Park covers an area of 16 400km?.

? The Cape Cross Seal Reserve, approximately 130km north of Swakopmund, was proclaimed to protect up to 23 colonies of Cape Fur seals.

? The National West Coast Recreation Area, a 200km stretch of coastline between the Swakop and Ugab rivers is renowned for its outstanding angling potential.
?
Rising some 200m above a surrounding sea of bush and savannah, the 405km? Waterberg Plateau Park, is home to some 25 game and 200 bird species.

? The Von Bach Game Reserve, south of Okahandja, extends for 43km? and is a popular venue for aquatic sports.

? The Daan Viljoen Game Park is comparatively small (3 953ha) and is a popular retreat for Windhoek residents and tourists.

? The Hardap Game Reserve covers an area of 250km? and offers excellent game viewing opportunities.

? Namib-Naukluft Park, a vast wilderness of 50 000km?.

? The focal point of the 23 000ha Naute Recreation Resort, is Namibia's 3rd largest dam.

? Fishriver Canyon Park is comprised of the Ai-Ais Hot Springs Resort, the Fishriver Canyon and the Huns Mountains.

Rivers

Namibia has 5 perennial rivers, all of which delineate her borders:

Orange River (South)
Kunene, Okavango, Zambezi and Kwando rivers, forming the border between eastern Caprivi and Botswana in the North.

Fish and Nosob river
Kuiseb, Swakop, Omaruru, Hoarusib, Hoanib, Ugab and Khumib rivers which drain into the Atlantic Ocean

Tsauchab
Marienflu? ,Omatako and Cuvelai. These originate from Southern Angola and empty its floodwaters into the Etosha Pan.

Flora & Fauna

Flora
The country is divided into 14 vegetation zones, ranging from variations of desert to semi-desert, shrub and forest savannahs, and woodlands of the Northeast. A world-wide botanist interest is the living fossil, Welwitschia Mirabilis, which is endemic to the Namib Desert and one of the oldest plants known to man.

Over 120 species of trees grow in Namibia ranging from the umbrella-shaped camel thorn, Acacia eroloba, to the valuable ana tree, Faidherbia albida, with its white flowers and nutritious pods, which is an important source of food for the animals of the desert. Typical trees found in the north are mopane, terminalia, marula, giant figs, baobabs, Makalani palms and timber species such as kiaat, tamboti and Transvaal teak. Common to the arid central and southern region is the distinctive kokerboom or quiver tree, Aloe dichotoma. There are approximately 200 endemic plant species in Namibia that include lithops that are popularly referred to as "flowering stones", and the Aloe asperifolia of the desert regions. Other noteworthy plants are the curious elephants foot, Adenia pecuelii, and the "halfmens", Pachypodium namaquanum, which is found in the far south near the Orange River.

Fauna
Large game species found in Namibia include elephant, rhino, giraffe and buffalo, as well as lion, leopard and cheetah. There are eight endemic mammal species - the black faced impala, gerbils and bats - while the Namib Desert is well known for endemic dune-dwellers, of which there are 30 endemic species. Endangered mammals are wild dog, black rhino, lion, puku, oribi and waterbuck. There are over 20 species of antelope ranging from the largest, the eland, to the smallest the Damara dik-dik. A wealth of small mammals, including mongoose and jackal, occur throughout the country, as well as the less common Antbear and honey badger.

Avifauna
Over 630 of the 887 bird species listed for southern Africa have been recorded in Namibia. Of these, about 500 species breed locally, while the others are migrants. Eleven species are endemic, meaning that over 75% of their total world populations are found in Namibia.

Special endemics are the Herero chat, Rockrunner, Monteiro's hornbill and Damara tern (99%). The African Fish eagle is also featured on the Namibian coat of arms. Of keen interest to visitors is the sociable weaver, which builds communal nests in which several hundreds of birds live together.

Comments

Southern Region
Southern Namibia presents some of the principally spectacular
landscapes in the entire Namibia. Bordered by the dry savannah of the
Kalahari in the east and the unique Namib Desert in the west, you find
the geological history book of ...

1 Listings

1 Listings

1 Listings

3 Listings

1 Listings

Central Region
The central region of Namibia is the hub of the country, with
Windhoek, the vibrant capital city at its heart.
Windhoek is a bustling, cosmopolitan city with good hotels,
sophisticated shops and convivial bistros. Stately buildings range
from ...